“One in a Bazillion” - A Message on the Uniqueness of Jesus (Acts 2:22-41)

Pentecost...if only the church was so bold and empowered as they were that day in Jerusalem.

In our reading today from Acts 2 (the Pentecost), Holy Spirit has empowered a strong witness through the disciples by enabling them to speak in the languages of foreign visitors. This captures the visitors attention. So they try to explain the witness by saying the disciples were drunk at 9:00AM.  But Peter received a word from the Lord to give to the People...and the rest is history.

Peter lifts up Jesus in a new and convincing way by pointing out that Jesus was not One in a Thousand, or One in a Million...no...Jesus is more like One (the Only One) in a Bazillion - he is incomparable, unique. And God had a plan for this Unique One. According to God's sovereign choice, Jesus was to be Messiah.

Listen to this message. Ask for Holy Spirit's guidance. Then respond to the Lord so you can be one of the thousands saved, as they were in Jerusalem on that first Pentecost Sunday.  I hope, pray, trust that you will come away wanting more of this One in a Bazillion Lord and Savior, and the power of Holy Spirit in your life.

God bless you, Kirk McCormick

 “One in a Thousand, Million, Bazillion”

** The foundation of Peter’s message is the Uniqueness of Jesus…

Verse 23 – Jesus was not just one of the crucified, but he is the One sacrificed.

** Jesus’ crucifixion – as cruel and heinous a punishment there was - was not about Rome’s/Pharisees’/Man’s plan to stop a religious movement…

…it was about GOD’S PLAN to fulfill his Purpose!

“This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge.” (v. 23)

Another example of Jesus’ Uniqueness…

Verse 24 – Jesus was not just one who died,

but he is the One

free from the enslavement of death.

** Many had died before Jesus… some had even been resurrected (Lazurus)…

…But their hope for eternal life, appropriated by faith, was this Savior whose death NOT ONLY paid the penalty for Sin…

…but whose Resurrection (life) became the Model for all who die in faith. 

But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from theagony of death [separation from God],

because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. (v. 24)

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. (Colossians 1:15)

Another example of Jesus’ uniqueness…

vs. 30-33 – Jesus was not just one of the descendants of David, but he is the One Messiah.

But he [David] was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. (v. 30)

One last example of Jesus’ uniqueness…

vs. 34-36 – Jesus was not just one of many leaders or teachers/rabbis, but he is the One Sovereign and Savior of the world.

“Let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (v. 36)

Point: There have been and are some good leaders/teachers/pastors in the church…

…but there is ONLY ONE Savior and Lord – his name is Jesus.

** So what must we do?... how must we respond to this message?

** Peter said to the crowd –

Acts 2:38-39 – “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”